Can't undo bath tap compression nut

[JonTempleman]

Hi Guys,
I'm trying to change the old taps to a mixer set and have been unable to budge the compression fitting nut on the hot tap (The cold tap is no problem)

https://www.diynot.com/diy/attachme...8/?temp_hash=3288ae8252ccf29823da38e620585b47

There's the usual "Not enough space" problem between the bath and the wall and it's also a tight squeeze between the bath and the toilet.

I've tried a number of different tools & WD40 but to no avail.

Any suggestions please,

TIA

 

[Nige F]

You won't get that undone ! Can you cut the tap thread with a dremel hacksaw or reciprocating saw. Then cut the copper pipe and replace with a flexi. Just noticed your dyslexic note - no worries M8 so am I - ask anything - but I'm just going out for lunch

 

[JonTempleman]

You won't get that undone ! Can you cut the tap thread with a dremel hacksaw or reciprocating saw. Then cut the copper pipe and replace with a flexi. Just noticed your dyslexic note - no worries M8 so am I - ask anything - but I'm just going out for lunch

Thanks for the reply Nige F

I Don't have either of those tools and the concerns I would have about doing that is needing to put on a compression fitting lower down due to the limited access, it's one of those where if you stay in the position needed to do the work you'll end up with a crooked neck/shoulder.

 

[JonTempleman]

PS I'm not a plumber, I've basic skills and doing this for my sister, I replaced the basin taps with no problems and have put in a mixer set elsewhere, again with no real problems.

 

[bernardgreen]

Have you tried a box spanner after cutting the copper pipe and moving it aside

https://www.screwfix.com/p/monument-tools-tap-backnut-spanner-set-2-pieces/9872h

 

[JonTempleman]

Bernard, as said above, I've concerns about cutting the existing piping in case I can't put new fittings on due to lack of space.

 

[Mottie]

What about using one of these? https://www.diy.com/departments/rothenberger-basin-wrench/139416_BQ.prd FWIW, I used one recently to fit new taps to my bath, bought it from B&Q, didn't remove the label and took it back for a refund. Cheeky, I know but I bought enough other stuff off of them.

If you have to cut the pipe with a pipe slice, you could use a push fit copper or plastic joiner to fit the new section.

 

[lostinthelight]

Search for something like this
https://www.workshopping.co.uk/prod...ot-spanner-set-9pc-1/2sq-drive-metric/AK5985/

 

[undertrained]

Hello Jon,

What tools do you have? Are you able to undo the red circled nut first and then the blue circled one? Another method I sometimes use is set spanner up to hold against the wall and try to undo the tap.

 

[polesapart]

Bath taps can be awkward bar stewards which is why tools such as

Rothenberger Telescopic Basin Wrench 32mm (71701) are made.

The Armeg Jaw-Dropper is excellent, but a bit expensive for one-off use.

 

[JonTempleman]

Hello Jon,

What tools do you have? Are you able to undo the red circled nut first and then the blue circled one? Another method I sometimes use is set spanner up to hold against the wall and try to undo the tap.

Hi Chris,
Tools I have are,
Normal tap wrench
Stilson wrench
small handle length adjustable spanner

I'm unable to undo the nut circled in red, wont budge at all.

 

[lostinthelight]

Have you tried using your wrench like the pic to get more leverage?

 

[undertrained]

Hi Chris,
Tools I have are,
Normal tap wrench
Stilson wrench
small handle length adjustable spanner

I'm unable to undo the nut circled in red, wont budge at all.

Hi Jon,

Try the adjustable spanner or Stilson on it in right hand and try to turn tap with left hand, as I say that works a lot of the time for me, even if it’s just to break the “seal”, then it should work better. If the tap won’t move, loosen the backnut if you can.

 

[Keithmac]

Armeg Jaw Droppers are worth their weight in gold, couldn't have done our bath taps without them!.

I'd loosen the tap to bath nut first, hold the tap pipe nut securely then try and turn the tap body anticlockwise to loosen the fitting as said above.

 

[gasbusters]

Bernard, as said above, I've concerns about cutting the existing piping in case I can't put new fittings on due to lack of space.

Use a pushfit flexi tap connector after cutting copper.